Overview
This standard covers the skills and knowledge you need to fire ceramic products in a kiln. This involves firing ceramic ware in a kiln in line with safety procedures to meet requirements. You will start the firing process; monitor the firing; stop the firing when the process is complete and unload ware. You will check the kiln; products; equipment and materials; minimise waste and rework.
This standard is suitable for those who are self-employed, working for a sole practitioner or within a workshop or studio.
The following should be considered when working in craft:
Safe working practices
Ethics and sustainability
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
You must be able to:
P1 use the appropriate methods to start the firing
P2 use the appropriate methods to monitor the temperature of the kiln; and ensure the correct temperature is reached and maintained at different stages of the firing
P3 carry out any necessary specialist treatment once the correct stage and temperature of the firing has been reached
P4 use the correct methods to stop the kiln when the duration of the firing is over
P5 use the appropriate methods to cool the kiln as required
P6 unload ceramics when they have reached a suitable temperature and put in the correct place
P7 use and handle the appropriate tools, materials and equipment correctly and safely
P8 identify any problems with ceramics, materials, tools and equipment and take the appropriate action to put them right
P9 ensure the final product reaches the correct standard of quality
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and
understand:
You must be able to:
K1 the type/s of firing you use for crafted ceramics
K2 the different types of firings which can be carried out in the kiln you are using
K3 sources of fuel which can be used to fire kilns
K4 the approximate capacity of the kiln you use
K5 how to start the kiln firing
K6 how to monitor the temperature of the kiln
K7 the devices and methods which can be used to monitor firing temperatures
K8 the temperature at which different types of crafted ceramics should be fired
K9 the process of firing the kiln including the required temperature at different stages of the firing and the speed at which the kiln is taken up to the required temperature
K10 the length of time it takes for the kiln to reach the required temperature
K11 how to stop the kiln when the firing is over
K12 the methods used to cool the kiln
K13 at what temperature the kiln should be opened
K14 at what temperature crafted ceramics can be unloaded from the kiln
K15 the changes which occur in the ceramics during the firing process
K16 the tools and equipment needed when firing and unloading the kiln and how to identify they are in good working order
K17 what harm could be caused to ceramics, property and people when firing and unloading the kiln and how this could be prevented?
K18 the standards of quality which should be met by fired ceramics
Originating Organisation
Creative & Cultrual Skills
Relevant Occupations
Artistic and Literary Occupations, Ceramicist, Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, Artist
Keywords
ceramics; craft; kiln; firing;